Re: Boat type recommendation?
Here is one dilemma: You want to go "offshore". Five miles or two miles... the ocean is offshore (or VERY close is 'near shore'), and (usually) you need a hull that has high sides, a deep V, and some weight (cost).
Power? Again, since we are bound to opinions here, some will (rightly) say you need twin engines. Five miles out isn't a big deal to 90% of the people who you see running out there in a 19' center console with a 150 outboard.
Is that within your risk comfort zone? Only you can answer. If it were so wrong, it might be illegal. But it isn't.
For diving, and the gear and working area needed, you need a good wide beam, so you are getting to the 24' plus requirement, although people do it all on less.
The problem here is that ANY rule of thumb can be stomped on by somebody that did something else with something less and came back fine. Kind of like towing. Somebody will always say they towed their 24', 6000lb boat/trailer with a Chevy Cavalier and was fine... so you would be too, "...as long as you take it easy."
Hey, you'll be fine in an 18' CC... just take it easy. Watch for advice like that, or like this: "Hey, my buddy always takes his 19' Bayliner out to 10 miles, and as long as he takes it easy, he is fine."
And when setting up a budget, I ALWAYS tell people to think of what they are sacrificing to keep it to a certain price. If you are financing, a few thousand extra bucks more might cost you only 20 bucks a month, but get you a bigger, safer, more usable boat. Heck, maybe a durable boat that lasts... AND, if you are loving your boat because it fits your needs, you are gonna cherish it and take care of it. This means the extra 3-4 thousand you spend is well, well, worth it.
